Michael Cox

Michael lives in Brisbane and has Co-Morbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnoea (COMISA).

As a teenager I was never able to sleep through, I would often wake up at least twice a night and this continues to this day.

As an adult working full time some days are harder than others when you have insomnia, often feeling exhausted and not being able to concentrate and this is a hard thing to talk about as you often hear things like “just close your eyes and fall asleep” or “go to bed earlier”. Having a 2 year old hasn’t helped my insomnia as there can be nights with multiple wake ups and I will often be awake from 2:00am-4:00am and then wake up at 6:00am for work.

I was diagnosed with OSA in 2021 after my wife was diagnosed in 2020 and recommended I get tested after hearing me choke in my sleep and my snoring was becoming unbearable. I had all the telltale symptoms of OSA: dry mouth, irritable, always tired and never feeling well rested.

After getting tested and using a CPAP I finally felt well rested after the hours of sleep I did get.

I implore people who are struggling with their sleep or a loved ones sleep to reach out and get help, it is most definitely out there. Using a CPAP may seem scary and uncomfortable but getting a good nights sleep outweighs any of the downsides.